Villa hearing set for Guzan work permit

Villa agreed a deal with Chivas USA earlier this month for the 23-year-old keeper who was denied a work permit in January.

Manager Martin O'Neill told avfc.co.uk: "The hearing is now next week. It should really have been yesterday but it was postponed for one reason or another. So we've been given an opportunity next Friday to do it.

"We're hoping that having come so close in January we can get the work permit this time around.

"I think his situation has improved, certainly on the international scene. He's been playing a lot of games for America now, important matches. He's played World Cup qualifying games and he played the second-half against England at Wembley.

"All told I think his position has improved so fingers crossed that might help but who knows."